CBSE Class 11 Political Science – Course A

Chapter 9: Constitution as a Living Document

Maximum Marks: 35
Time: 2 Hours

General Instructions:

1. All questions are compulsory.
2. Answers should be precise and to the point.
3. Use examples wherever necessary.
4. Marks are indicated against each question.

Section A: Very Short Answer Questions (1 × 5 = 5 Marks)

Q1. Define a “living constitution”.
Ans: A living constitution is one that adapts and evolves over time to meet the changing needs of society through amendments, judicial interpretations, and political practice. India’s Constitution is a living document because it continues to grow with societal changes.

Q2. Mention one reason why the Indian Constitution has been frequently amended.
Ans: India is a dynamic society, and changes in politics, economy, and social conditions necessitate constitutional amendments to keep it relevant.

Q3. Name the Article under which the Indian Constitution can be amended.
Ans: Article 368 of the Indian Constitution provides the procedure for amendments.

Q4. Give one example of a constitutional amendment that required ratification by states.
Ans: 73rd Amendment (1992) — It granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions and required ratification by more than half of the states.

Q5. What is meant by “basic structure” of the Constitution?
Ans: The basic structure refers to the core principles of the Constitution — such as democracy, secularism, separation of powers — which cannot be altered by amendments, as declared by the Supreme Court in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).

Section B: Short Answer Questions (3 × 5 = 15 Marks)

Q6. Explain the difference between amendment by simple majority and amendment by special majority.

Ans:

Q7. How does the judiciary contribute to making the Constitution a living document?

Ans:

1. Judicial Review — Courts review the constitutionality of laws and amendments.
2. Expanding Fundamental Rights — E.g., Right to Privacy, Right to Education.
3. Balancing Fundamental Rights & Directive Principles — Ensures harmony between Part III and Part IV.
4. Protecting Federalism — Ensures Centre and States act within constitutional limits.
5. Interpreting Basic Structure — Prevents amendments from destroying the core of the Constitution.

Q8. List any three factors that have contributed to the evolution of the Indian Constitution.

Ans:

1. Dynamic Society — Economic, social, and technological changes.
2. Political Developments — Government policies and ideologies.
3. Judicial Interpretation — Supreme Court rulings expanding or clarifying rights.
4. Globalization and Modernization — Need for contemporary economic and social reforms.

Q9. Explain the procedure for ratification of a constitutional amendment by the states.

Ans:

1. Amendment is passed by special majority in Parliament.
2. Sent to State Legislatures for ratification.
3. Must be approved by at least half of the states.
4. Ensures protection of federal character and Centre-State balance.
5. Examples: 73rd & 74th Amendments, 7th Amendment.

Q10. Why is the Indian Constitution called a living document? Give two examples.

Ans:

• It adapts to societal changes through amendments, judicial interpretation, and political practice.
• Examples:
  1. 24th Amendment (1971) — Empowered Parliament to amend Fundamental Rights after Golaknath case.
  2. 101st Amendment (2016) — Introduced GST reflecting economic modernization.

Section C: Long Answer Questions (5 × 3 = 15 Marks)

Q11. Describe the basic structure doctrine and its significance in preserving the Constitution.

Ans:

• Origin: Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala, 1973.
• Meaning: Parliament can amend the Constitution but cannot alter its basic structure.
• Key Elements:
  • Supremacy of Constitution
  • Democratic, secular, republican form
  • Separation of powers
  • Federalism
  • Judicial review and rule of law
• Significance:
  1. Protects the core principles of the Constitution.
  2. Maintains stability and continuity.
  3. Ensures flexibility without destroying identity.
  4. Safeguards democracy and rights of citizens.

Q12. Explain the reasons behind frequent amendments in the Indian Constitution.

Ans:

1. Dynamic Society: Social, economic, and technological changes require new laws.
2. Political Developments: Governments introduce amendments for policies or ideologies.
3. Social and Economic Reforms: Land reforms, social justice, women’s empowerment require constitutional changes.
4. Judicial Interpretation: Court judgments sometimes necessitate amendment to clarify or override decisions.
5. Federal Adjustments: Maintain balance between Centre and States.
6. Globalization & Modernization: Modern economic reforms like GST.
7. Political Consensus: Large reforms like Panchayati Raj passed with wide support.

Q13. Discuss the role of political leadership and judiciary in making the Constitution a living document.

Ans:

• Political Leadership:
  1. Respects rule of law and democratic institutions.
  2. Learns from historical experiences (e.g., Emergency, 44th Amendment).
  3. Builds consensus on key reforms (e.g., GST, Panchayati Raj).
  4. Maintains peaceful transfer of power and continuity of democracy.
• Judiciary:
  1. Interprets Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles.
  2. Safeguards federalism and Centre-State relations.
  3. Develops doctrines like Basic Structure to prevent abuse of amendment power.
  4. Ensures constitutional amendments do not violate core values.

Q14. Explain how the Indian Constitution balances stability and flexibility.

Ans:

• Stability:
  • Core principles (basic structure) remain intact.
  • Rule of law and democratic institutions maintained.
• Flexibility:
  • Amendments allow adaptation to societal, political, and economic changes.
  • Judicial interpretations expand or clarify rights.
• Example:
  • 73rd Amendment (Panchayati Raj) reflects societal needs.
  • Maneka Gandhi case expanded the Right to Life to include dignity and privacy.
• This balance ensures India’s Constitution remains relevant yet permanent.

Marking Scheme